Exclusive news and research on the wine, spirits and beer business

Craft Brewing And Distilling News for May 3, 2013

•The Boston Beer Co. reported a revenue increase of 20% to $135.9 million in its fiscal first quarter ending March 30, 2013, due primarily to core shipment growth of 18% to 632,000 barrels. Income for the period was $6.9 million—a $0.6-million decrease from the first quarter of 2012, attributed to higher cost of goods and increased investments in advertising, promotional and selling expenses. Depletions for the period increased 16% from the year-earlier period, with a decline in Samuel Adams volume offset by growth for Angry Orchard cider and Twisted Tea. Boston Beer estimates depletion growth for the 2013 full year will be between 10%-15%. In other company news, they will begin rolling out the new can packaging for Samuel Adams Boston Lager this month.

•Michigan-based Founders Brewing Co. is releasing its summer seasonal All Day IPA in cans for the first time this year. Hitting the market in time for summer, the canned seasonal will roll out across Founders 23-state footprint. In addition to All Day IPA, the craft brewer’s line also includes five year-round brews and a number of specialty releases.

•Bend, Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery has partnered with Cleveland-based Great Lakes Brewing Co. to release Imperial Smoked Porter to celebrate their shared 25th anniversaries. The beer was brewed at both locations using the same ingredients, with the exception of the yeast and water, and consumers will be left to decide how much the two versions differ. Both will be available in 22-ounce bottles across each brewery’s distribution footprint for a limited time. Imperial Smoked marks the second in Deschutes’ Class of ’88 collaboration series that celebrates craft breweries around the country founded in 1988. The first release was a barley wine in partnership with Rogue Ales and North Coast Brewing Co. Deschutes will also release a Belgian-style strong golden ale with Chicago’s Goose Island this year.